Dear Parents
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Hoover Elementary West Branch Schools Student Handbook 2015-2016 Vision A Future Focused Community of Learners Mission Preparing Students to Live and Learn with Passion and Purpose Destination All Students will be Career and College Ready 1 Hoover Elementary Faculty and Staff 2015-2016 Kindergarten Patricia Harpole, Sarah Hetrick, Barb Wargo 1st Grade Jan O’Neil, Karie Souhrada, Mary Buol, 2nd Grade Marilyn Culver, Lacey Becker, Chris Paulus 3rd Grade Randy Sexton, Angie Miller, Mandi Smith 4th Grade Laura Heithoff, Blake Shultice Preschool Joan Donovan, Tammy Bower Title I Reading Shelby King Learning Strategies Alicia Salger & Amber Marsh Reading & Math Special Education Sara Kinney, Miranda Palmer & Grace Varnum General Music Mary Gates Art Lisa Weideman Physical Education Jeff Arp Guidance Counselor - K-4th grade Emily Rickertsen Talented & Gifted Kim Morische Media Specialist Jennifer Olson Associates Barb Elliott, Calista Hospodarsky, Michelle Trimble, Lisa Corr, Heather Syring, Allison Krall, Deb Lund, Lisa Hayslett, Jan Robertson, Bambi Simpson, Kelli Salemink, Kim Linn, Michelle Reichart Nurse Traci Fryauf Custodians Nick Martin & Paola Noches Director of Transportation Joe Lande Secretary Connie Laughlin Principal Jess Burger *Psychologist/Consultant Shawna Hufendick *Speech Therapist Colin Nies *Regional Facilitator Lisa Haverkamp *Grant Wood AEA Personnel 2 Equity Statement It is the policy of the West Branch Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have any questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the district’s Equity Coordinator, Kevin Hatfield, Superintendent, 148 North Oliphant St., West Branch, IA 52358, 319-643-7213, [email protected]. Inquiries may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Region VII Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, MO 64114, (816) 268-0550, or the Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0146, (515) 281-5294. General School Operational Guidelines 1. Youngsters living in West Branch and who attend Hoover should not arrive at school until 8:10 a.m. 2. Parents who pick up their children at 3:20 p.m. are asked to wait in the alcove of North Hoover or outside the building to get them. 3. Students are expected to have their day planned and the necessary materials with them so that parents do not have to be notified during the school day. If a parent calls with a message for a child, the office staff will convey the message to the student or connect the parent to the classroom phone. 4. Maintaining a safe and healthy environment is a main goal. The Staff Members’ Responsibilities 1. Model the behavior we want our students to exhibit. 2. Teach lessons and conduct class meetings that focus on social skills and conflict resolution. 3. Use effective strategies to guide students in learning both academic and social skills. 4. Communicate with parents about the strengths and needs of their children. 5. Participate in effective record keeping pertaining to student performance and behavior. 3 Ways Parents’ Can Help 1. Model the behavior you want to see your child(ren) exhibit. 2. Assist your child(ren) in getting to school on time and prepared mentally and physically to learn and allow others to learn. 3. Discuss the Operational Guidelines and Student Responsibilities with your child(ren) and review them periodically. 4. Talk with your child(ren) every day about how their day went at school. 5. If concerns or problems arise, contact school personnel and be willing to talk and help solve the problem. 6. Attend parent meetings and/or other events that support your child(ren)’s educational experience. The Students’ Responsibilities 1. Come to school each day on time and prepared physically and mentally to learn and allow others to learn. 2. Show respect at all times through words and actions to those in authority. 3. Show respect to fellow students by avoiding name calling, verbal insults, fighting and invasion of their personal space. 4. Obey reasonable requests quickly and without arguing. 5. Follow the safety rules on the playground and in the school building. 6. Leave toys and other items that do not contribute to learning at home. 7. Participate in and practice the lessons on getting along with others and solving problems peacefully. 8. Meet with parents, teachers and/or the principal to make a plan for better behavior whenever necessary. 4 Attendance Absences Daily attendance is very important. Students are expected to be in school unless they are ill or have other unavoidable circumstances. Only through attendance and class participation do students achieve the full benefits of the education program. Learning lost due to an absence is difficult to replace. In the event that your child will be absent, parents are asked to please call the elementary office (643-7211) between 8:00 and 8:30 AM on the day of the absence. If the office does not know why your child is absent, a call will be made to a parent at home or work. These efforts are intended to ensure the safety and well-being of your child. Parents are encouraged to make medical/dental appointments outside of school hours. In the event that this is not possible, we ask that a parent come to the office to sign their child out and then sign in upon returning to school. Students will be counted absent if they miss more than one-half school day for any reason and will be responsible for all work missed due to absences. Students missing school due to illness should not attend school activities (sport events, concerts, etc.) on the evening of the absence. Student Absences - Excused Absences are only excused if done so by a parent. Examples of excused absences may include illness, medical appointments, funerals, or family emergencies. It is recommended that a physician verify any medically related absence over five (5) days. Other unavoidable absences of multiple days should be discussed with the building principal prior to the occurrence. The principal reserves the right to request evidence or written verification of the student's reason for absence. Student Absences - Unexcused Truancy is the failure to attend school for the minimum number of days established by the State of Iowa. Truancy is the act of being absent without a reasonable excuse. Parents of students in danger of being truant will be notified and may be required to meet with school personnel to develop an attendance plan for the child. Students experiencing truancy issues are subject to disciplinary action if improvement is not demonstrated. If necessary, the county attorney will be contacted. Students are unexcused if the parent does not contact the school to report their student’s absence (or the school cannot reach the parent) and provide the reason for the absence. Bus Transportation Bus District Behavior Guidelines Director of Operations (Transportation Director): - Bus Barn (643-5325) Please review the rules with your child. Approximately 70% of our students ride the school buses so bus safety is an important factor. 5 Boarding the bus: At the bus stop - stay as far off the road as you can. Don't wait in the street. Stay away from the edge of the road. Wait until the bus comes to a full stop. There should be absolutely no crowding or pushing before boarding and/or exiting. Children could be pushed into or under the bus. When exiting and/or boarding the bus at West Branch, students should cross at the stop signs in front of Hoover North. There may be times when it is necessary to evacuate the bus because of dangerous weather conditions (tornado, severe storm). When this happens, bus students are to follow the instructions of their bus driver. While on the bus: Keep hands and head inside the bus at all times. Assist in keeping the bus safe and clean at all times. Remember loud talking and laughing may divert the driver's attention. Treat bus equipment as valuable furniture in your home. Damage to seats, etc., may be paid for by the offender. Never tamper with the bus or any of its equipment. Do not leave books, lunches, coats or other objects in the aisles. Remain in the bus in case of road emergency, unless directed to do otherwise by the bus driver. Do not throw anything out of the window. Always remain in your seat while the bus is in motion. Always be courteous to fellow pupils, and to the bus driver. Keep absolutely quiet when approaching a railroad crossing stop. The driver is responsible for controlling the bus riders. Students must obey him/her promptly and respectfully. Squirt guns, water balloons, etc., are not allowed. Leaving the bus: Remain seated until the bus comes to a full stop. Line up on the way out. Go in order. No crowding or pushing. Watch your step. Leave orderly. Move away from unloading zone quickly. 6 After leaving the bus: Cross the road at least 10 feet in front of the bus but only after checking to make sure no traffic is approaching and after receiving a signal from the driver. Help look after the safety and comfort of small children. Be alert to the danger signal from the driver. (Note: prearranged signal) If any of these guidelines are not adhered to, the following discipline will result: 1. One (1) written warning will be sent to the parents.